Author: School's Out Washington

Belonging

By Janell Jordan

What is belonging and why do we often feel so far from it? Why are we telling ourselves that we don’t belong or that we are not wanted in a space when there is no evidence that that is remotely the case? Feeling alone in a room full of people is one of the loneliest feelings I have experienced. What I have also learned about these moments is that they are self-inflicted. Not always, but more often than not.   We are powerful storytellers. Something that unifies us is our constant weaving pieces of information, judgement, internal conflict, and emotions together to create stories about our existence, about people, … [ ]

It takes a village—community, family, and furry friends promote reading in Auburn

Trying new things can be nerve-wracking, so calm and non-judgmental support makes all the difference. For kids working on their reading skills in the Firwood Circle housing community in Auburn, the best support comes from dogs. Every week, through the Reading with Rover (RWR) program, they are able to have time in a zoom meeting where they read to a trained therapy dog. “It’s really comforting to the kids, and creates a safe space. Their anxiety doesn’t get in the way when they’re reading,” says Andy Pham, Youth Engagement Coordinator with Neighborhood House (NH) at Firwood Circle. “And the dogs are good listeners and … [ ]

Introducing Bridge closing keynote speaker Shontina Vernon

By Jimena Quiroga Hopkins, Thrive Paradigm

Young people play a critical role in shaping the world and fostering positive change in society. This means young people using their voice and agency to contribute to shape the narrative of what is just. Our closing keynote speaker at this year’s Bridge Conference understands this well.  Through her own story, which builds upon the power of intergenerational relationships, experiences with the juvenile justice system, and artistic talents that come to life as a theater artist, filmmaker, musician, and educator, Shontina Vernon has built a body of work grounded in telling the stories and elevating the voices of those most impacted … [ ]

Partnering across school, home, and community

By Kathlyn Paananen, Housing and Education Manager at Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools’ (SPS) partnership with housing providers and community-based organizations is rooted in the belief that children learn best when they experience a cohesive, stable, and safe learning environment filled with caring adults. When school districts, affordable housing providers, and community partners come together, we can build positive partnerships with families, provide wrap around supports for children, and improve our education and housing services for current and future generations. SPS partners with about a dozen affordable housing partners to support access to learning opportunities, build strong school and family relationships, and address housing instability. To highlight the value of … [ ]

Introducing Bridge keynote speaker Dr. Megan Ming Francis

By Jimena Quiroga Hopkins, Thrive Paradigm

This has truly been a year like no other, with the devastation and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and the mass racial uprisings that make it inevitable for the country to reckon with centuries of systemic oppression. We are, in many ways, at a crossroads. It is a critical time. A time to look back with clear vision at what has brought us here, the progress that has been made, and the work that is still needed to create a society built on a foundation of equity and liberation.   As we come together this year at the 2020 Bridge Conference with this year’s … [ ]

Bridge values in practice—leadership and nourishing

By Makayla Wright

Makayla Wright, Youth Voice Organizing Manager with Soar, brings us their insights from deep work in youth leadership and youth development around how to integrate and practice values of leadership and nourishing in our work with youth. These are two of the core values guiding how we build and shape the Bridge Conference experience this year. Take a few moments to read the blog post below and listen as Makayla shares with us what these values look like in how we show up for young people and ourselves.   It has been five months since many of us started to quarantine in Washington. I’ve watched my work shift … [ ]